A patient who is being discharged today is going home with an inhaler. The patient is to administer 2 puffs of the inhaler twice daily. The inhaler contains 200 puffs. When should the nurse appropriately advise the patient to refill the medication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Six weeks will be about the time the inhaler will need to be refilled. The inhaler should last the patient 50 days (2 puffs x 2/twice daily = 4; 200 / 4 = 50); the nurse should advise the patient to refill the prescription when there are 7 to 10 days of medication remaining. Refilling it as soon as the patient leaves the hospital or when the inhaler is half empty is too early. If the patient waits 50 days, the patient will run out of medication before it can be refilled.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Needles should not be forced into the box. Clearly mark receptacles to warn of danger. Using needleless systems when possible, will further reduce the risk of needlestick injury. To prevent the risk of needlesticks, the nurse should never recap needles. The syringe and sheath are disposed of together in a receptacle.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Total drops = 1000 mL × 15 drops/mL = 15,000 drops. Time = 8 hours = 480 minutes. Drops per minute = 15,000 ÷ 480 ≈ 31.25 dpm, rounded to 31 dpm.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Listening and acknowledging concerns validates their feelings, fostering trust and emotional support.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Temporarily discontinued medications are typically retained securely (not destroyed or given away) until resumed or permanently discontinued, per facility policy.